Head of Department, Mechanical Engineering

The College of Design and Engineering at the National University of Singapore invites applications for the position of Head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering.

We are seeking an exceptional and visionary Mechanical Engineering Department Head with an excellent international standing to lead our department towards achieving excellence in teaching and research. As the Department Head, you will be responsible for providing an overall vision, strategic leadership, driving innovation, fostering collaborations and motivating our staff to grow to their full potential.

Responsibilities:

  • Administrative duties: Be responsible for the overall administration of the department, including budget planning and management, staff recruitment, supervision and evaluation, and strategic planning.
  • Curriculum development: Be responsible for the development and evaluation of the curriculum, ensuring that the programme is up-to-date and meets the needs of students and industries. Have a good understanding of both local and global challenges, and training our students to be technically competent, ethical and socially responsible to address them.
  • Staff development & recruitment: Be responsible for promoting and supporting staff development, such as facilitating professional development opportunities and providing mentoring and coaching to ensure staff’s success and help them grow to their full potential. Be able to identify and recruit the best candidates to join the department.
  • Research initiatives: Be able to identify grand challenges in research, inspire and rally the department towards addressing them by drawing upon the unique strengths and potential of each individual staff. Be responsible for developing and overseeing research initiatives to address these challenges, including securing funding, encouraging staff’s involvement both within and outside of the department, and promoting interdisciplinary research.
  • Work environment: Be able to foster an inclusive and innovative environment that inspires and brings staff to work collaboratively.
  • Industry engagement: Be responsible for engaging with industry partners, building relationships and collaborations, and seeking opportunities for internships, collaborations and employment.
  • Accreditation and compliance: Be responsible for ensuring that the programme is accredited and in compliance with all relevant regulations and policies.
  • Fund raising: Be responsible to establish relationships with potential donors, communicate the department's needs and demonstrate the impact of their contributions in order to secure critical resources from alumni and industry.
  • Advocacy and outreach: Be responsible for advocating for the department within the University, the broader academic community and to industry partners.

Qualification/ Experience/ Requirements:

  • A Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or related field with a strong publication record.
  • Have academic experience, including teaching, research and administration, and preferably having been in a management or leadership position.
  • Strong understanding of industrial challenges, industry trends and emerging technologies.
  • Experience in building and fostering interdisciplinary collaborations.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
  • A track record of driving innovations and promoting inclusivity in an academic environment.
  • Demonstrated leadership experience, including strategic planning, implementing shared vision and is prepared to go beyond his/ her own interest to serve the department wholeheartedly.

If you are a passionate and visionary Mechanical Engineering Department Head who is committed to excellence in teaching and research, and can inspire and motivate others, we welcome you to apply for this exciting opportunity. Join us and be part of a team that is dedicated to addressing global challenges, providing excellent educational and research programmes, and making a significant impact in the field of mechanical engineering.

To apply, please send (i) Detailed Curriculum Vitae (including research, teaching, leadership, professional and administrative experience); (ii) Publication list; (iii) Reflection on teaching (max 2 pages); (iv) Highlights of research (max 3 pages) – citing up to 5 significant publications, creative work or other scholarly contribution and explaining their significance; (v) Response to the selection criteria by providing examples of relevant experience and achievements (max 3 pages); and (vi) List of six referees with contact details to:

Chair of Mechanical Engineering Head Search Committee
c/o Dean’s Office, Human Resources
College of Design and Engineering
National University of Singapore
Block EA, #07-26, 9 Engineering Drive 1,
Singapore 117575
Email: Ceri.Kum@perrettlaver.com

All applications will be kept in the strictest confidence. Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.